Every new series has proved to me that I do not necessarily know where I will end up, but each experience takes on a new life to the next journey.
Marissa Sweet SCA OSA - Biography
Marissa is a passionate and accomplished artist whose deep connection with nature is
evident in her stunning landscape paintings. As an elected member of the prestigious
Society of Canadian Artists, the Ontario Society of Artists, and an active member of the
Federation of Canadian Artists and East Central Ontario Art Association, Marissa has
solidified her position as a prominent figure in the Canadian art community.
With a background in Economics, Marissa's journey to becoming a landscape painter
was a unique one. After spending several years in various corporate roles, she
discovered her true calling and pursued her artistic aspirations wholeheartedly. Since
2002, Marissa has been sharing her expertise by teaching art workshops in the vibrant
art hubs of Toronto and the Durham Region.
Marissa's art is more than just brush strokes on canvas; it represents a profound
message of reconnecting with nature and finding solace in its embrace. Through her
paintings, she endeavors to evoke nostalgic memories of serene moments, providing an
escape from the relentless demands of modern life.
In 2019, Marissa's talent and dedication were recognized when she was selected as
one of the 18 artists to compete in the inaugural Landscape Artist of the Year Canada
competition. This exciting TV series, which premiered in February 2020 on CBC and
Makeful Cable channel, further showcased her extraordinary abilities as a landscape
artist.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for many, but Marissa saw it as an
opportunity to adapt and grow. During this difficult time, she embraced technology and
began teaching art online, allowing her to share her knowledge and skills with students
from around the world.
Marissa's contributions to the arts community did not go unnoticed, and in 2021, the City
of Oshawa honored her with the prestigious Professional Artist Award through the
Oshawa Culture Counts program. This recognition further cements her status as a
respected and influential figure in the local artistic scene.
Currently, Marissa serves as the Past President of the Society of Canadian Artists,
reflecting her dedication to supporting and helping fellow artists in their creative
journeys.
With a remarkable blend of talent, experience, and a genuine passion for the arts,
Marissa continues to make a profound impact on the Canadian art scene and beyond.
Her artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one's heart
and finding inspiration in the beauty of nature.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I work primarily in an expressionistic style. Frequently using bold brushstrokes and
ending with geometric patterns. My paintings usually start with a red magenta wash,
then I draw in my outline. I move through the painting with abstracted shapes, drips,
and outrageous colors, eventually settling into a quieter approach, with more thought
and the verge of representational.
I am influenced by the French Impressionists, and the Canadian Group of Seven, which
sometimes can be found in some of my work, however, with every painting, I have
continually grown in ways that still surprise me. Every new series has proved to me that
I do not necessarily know where I will end up, but each experience takes on a new life
to the next journey.
Plein air painting has been a constant teacher for me. Mastering the art of capturing my
muse before the light shifts grants me the freedom to explore and embrace mistakes.
It's about making quick decisions and trusting my instincts, skills that have immensely
benefited my studio work. While a series may span 12-24 paintings, the themes I
explore could endure for 6-8 years, evolving and deepening with each stroke of the
brush.